After Protests, Sheriff Creates Community Advisory Board

RIVERHEAD, NY — After scores of protests across Long Island following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolic, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. announced the formation a sheriff’s community advisory board.

Toulon asked the public to submit letters of inquiry to be considered for board membership. The purpose of the board, he said, is to give residents an opportunity to meet regularly with the sheriff and his staff, discuss topics of interest and concern, be a conduit for information to local communities, and to provide input on sheriff’s initiatives and policies relating to the office and its relationship with the general public.

“Ultimately, I want the public to have more opportunities to interact with the law enforcement community, and to have a direct line of communication,” Toulon. “Current events have demonstrated that people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are frustrated with law enforcement, and they have some legitimate reasons to feel this way."

He added that he is looking for a diverse group to discuss issues, learn about the sheriff’s office, and share ideas.

The board will consist of 10 members each from the five East End towns of Southold, East Hampton, Southampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island and the five western towns of Suffolk County, including Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, Islip and Brookhaven; members will serve for a one-year term.

Anyone interested in serving on the Board is encouraged to send a letter of inquiry directly to Sheriff Toulon at Suffolk_Sheriff@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Prospective members must be Suffolk County residents and 18 and older. The new board will meet bi-monthly in the evening at the Yaphank Correctional Facility and occasionally at other sheriff’s office locations throughout Suffolk County. Toulon also plans to make alternative meeting arrangements for members to participate remotely.

The first meeting date has not yet been set.